Posts tagged John
Do You Hear God's Warning? | John 5:19-29 | Darien Gabriel
Do You Hear God's Warning? | John 5:19-29 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: "Do you hear God's warning?

Scripture: John 5:19-29

Daniel 7:13-14; Acts 2:36-39

Bottom line: In a world that is good at ignoring warnings, God sent his son into the world to warn us personally. This is so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, one with God, life-giver and judge over all, and that by believing have life in his name.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

Opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Last year, I ignored God's first warning.

It was September and my blood tests showed that my chloestoral was 210. It should be less than 100. Still, I felt fine. I didn't remember at the time that my family has a history of high chlorestal and related heart and artery issues. I just never occurred to me that I might have any of those issues. I felt fine. I exercise regularly. I didn't eat healthy at the time but I was better than most. (As if that were a good standard)

I ignored my first warning from God. Ignoring my doctor's plan for health, I didn't agree to start taking chlorestoral meds because I wanted to try and exercise and change my diet so that I could naturally bring my cholesterol down.

Mercifully, I got a second warning. I got a second chance. On October 8th of last year, while working on a disaster relief project in western NC after a major hurricane, I had a TIA (mini-stroke) while on site. God mercifully put a medical missionary on our team who quickly diagnosed my symptoms and sent me to the ER where I received excellent treatment at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville. My second warning.

This was a mercy. I deserved a TIA, stroke or worse because I ignored the doctor's advice. As I was being triaged, I remembered I had my cholesterol numbers from 3 weeks earlier and showed them to the medical team. This helped them confirm their diagnosis.

God chose to be rich in love and mercy towards me that day. I woke up "heard his voice" and began taking his warning seriously. Since then, I am much more willing to heed the medical advice given to me on this life-threatening journey. I still ask questions and sometimes push back. But because God humbled me while giving me another chance, I'm in a better place medically.

I finally heard and heeded God's warning.

What about you?

Has God been warning you?

God warns us about things in this life and about things that affect the next.

What has God been warning you about?

What warnings are you ignoring?

"I remember hearing a knock on our front door. When I opened the door, I saw two ladies standing on my step holding Bibles and some religious literature. My suspicion was soon confirmed: these two ladies were Jehovah's Witnesses going from door to door sharing their false gospel.

As rapidly as I could, I told them we believed differently about Jesus, and the Bible clearly says Jesus is truly God. "Oh, we believe he's God," they said. "No, you don't. You believe he's a god, but you do not believe he's of the same essence as the Father. You do not believe he's one with the Father." At that point they admitted they viewed Jesus differently, and the conversation ended a few moments later. Those two ladies, as sweet as they were, standing on my porch with Bibles in hand, were rebelling against God. Anyone who does not submit to Jesus Christ—anyone who dishonors the Son-does not honor the Father." -Matt Carter

CONTEXT

John moves forward in chapters 5-10 highlighting the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership. John will use Jesus' encounters with others to escalate and teach/reveal who he is leading the Jewish leaders to grow more insistent on his execution for blasphemy. They are convinced that he is claiming to be another god equal to God the Father and they cannot rest until he is dealt with. For they think that he is leading the people astray.

SERMON

Bottom line: In a world that is good at ignoring warnings, God sent his son into the world to warn us personally. This is so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, one with God, life-giver and judge over all, and that by believing have life in his name.

Kent Hughes says that Jesus makes 3 claims that we all should take seriously. I'll pair them up with how other commentators saw this.

  1. Jesus is one with the Father. (19-20)(Hughes)

    1. Jesus' unity with the Father. (19-23)(ChatGPT)

    2. Jesus does what only God can do. (19-22)(Carter)

  2. Jesus has the power to give and sustain life. (21, 24-26)(Hughes)

    1. Jesus gives spiritual life (eternal life) through belief. (24-25)(Chat GPT)

    2. Jesus receives honor only God deserves. (23-24)(Carter)

  3. Jesus has the authority to judge. (27-30)(Hughes)

    1. Jesus brings future resurrection and judgment. (25-29) (ChatGPT)

    2. Jesus has power only God can claim. (25-29)(Carter)

Hughes adds here, "These claims are eternal and they call for action."

Applications for Believers

  1. Trust in Jesus' authority as if God (because he is). (19-23)

    1. He is fully aligned and in sync with His Father. (19-20)

    2. He is the source and sustainer of life. (Now and future) (21)

    3. He is the judge of all people. (Now and in the future) (22)

    4. He is God, so, honor (worship) Him accordingly. (23)

  2. Rest in eternal life now. (24)

    1. Rest as in fully rely on Him.

    2. Eternal life--abundant life forever.

    3. Now--it starts when you rest fully in Him.

  3. Live with resurrection hope. (25-29) Live in light of eternity!

    1. Listening for Jesus to speak. (25)

    2. Embrace life as a gift. (26)

    3. Live grateful for the mercy. (27)

    4. Live in light of his imminent return. (28-29)

Applications for Not-yet believers

  1. Believe/trust that Jesus as your pathway to life abundant and eternal starting today. (24-25)

  2. Judgment is certain. No exceptions. (27-29)

  3. There is still time to respond. (25)

For believers, this gives assurance, hope and a call to live in light of eternity.

For not-yet believers, this is a wake-up call to take Jesus' words seriously--life and judgment are in his hands.

CONCLUSION

Hughes or Carter write:

"It is hardly surprising therefore that controversy features prominently in the life and ministry of Jesus as he reveals the truth about himself.

The intriguing thing about the controversy that surrounded Jesus during his public ministry on earth is that it is not so much his teaching and ideas that were in dispute, but the claims that he made about himself. It was this fact that led C.S. Lewis to make his much-quoted remark,

Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman, or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him or kill him as a demon; or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God. But let us not come to him with any patronising nonsense about him being a great human teacher. He has not left that option open to us. He did not intend to.

Mere Christianity (New York, Macmillan: 1943), pp. 55-56

I've always heard it summarized as Jesus was either...

A lunatic, crazy for thinking he was God,

A liar, out to deceive for his own glory, or

The Lord, because all that he claimed is true.

But, no matter what, you cannot call him just a great teacher or a great man or a great prophet. For he could not be any of those if he lied or was crazy. You can't have it both ways.

Bottom line: In a world that is good at ignoring warnings, God sent his son into the world to warn us personally. This is so that we might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, one with God, life-giver and judge over all, and that by believing have life in his name.

What about you?

Has God warned you?

Do you hear his warning?   

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Possible titles and questions:

Are you listening to God's warning?

Is Jesus worth listening to?

Who does Jesus think he is?

Who has the final say over your future?

Are you alive or just breathing?

Did you hear God's warning?

Throughout history this is how people have responded to Jesus: there is no room for neutrality." -Mark Johnston

OUTLINES

N/A

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

Read More
Darien Gabrielnon denominational church, bible believing church, Ladson, SC, Darien Gabriel, Signs and Glory, John
Do You Want to Get Well? | John 5:1-18 | Darien Gabriel
Do You Want to Get Well? | John 5:1-18 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: "Do you want to get well?"

Scripture: John 5:1-18

Bottom line: To find healing and salvation, we must 1) be willing to change,  2) find hope to change, and 3) surrender to change.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

“There was an occasion when the army of Alexander the Great was engaged in a very serious battle, and in the course of the battle, one of the soldiers fled the scene. He was a coward.

After the battle, the coward was apprehended and brought to Alexander’s tent. As the man stood trembling before his general, Alexander looked at him and said, “Why did you run?” The soldier said, “I was afraid.”

Alexander said: “So I see. What is your name?” The soldier mumbled his answer so that Alexander couldn’t hear him, so the great warrior said: “Speak up. What is your name?” The young soldier looked at him and said, “My name is Alexander.” Alexander the Great replied, “Either change your behavior or change your name.”

CONTEXT

John moves forward in chapters 5-10 highlighting the escalating conflict between Jesus and the Jewish leadership. John will use Jesus' encounters with others to escalate and teach/reveal who he is leading the Jewish leaders to grow more insistent on his execution for blashemy. They are convinced that he is claiming to be another god equal to God the Father and they cannot rest until he is dealt with. For he is leading the people astray.

These encounters will include several "I am" statements designed to reveal who Jesus really is. It's at this point that I'd like to share with you how someone described Jesus. After all, many of us struggle with following Jesus because we also are unclear about who healed us. Lesslie Newbigin, British pastor and missionary from the past wrote:

"The one of whom we are reading is the one who was finally rejected with unique unanimity by the representatives of all the forces that control human behavior (cf. I Cor. 2:8), was subjected to that death which implied the curse of God as well as of men, was raised to new life, and became the author of new life for all who believed. It is this man whose identity is being defined in these passages." -Lesslie Newbigin

He says that we cannot understand what John is doing and writing without remembering that this is all about believing that Jesus is the Messiah, the king of kings, the Son of man and the son of God and that by believing have life in his name who died for our sins and was raised to prove his atoning sacrifice for us works in his Father's eyes. We are forgiven because of him!

SERMON

Bottom line: To find healing and salvation, we must 1) be willing to change,  2) find hope to change, and 3) surrender to change.

According to Pastor Mark Johnston, Jesus' question, and the impact it makes, raises at least four major issues for this man and for all people.

  1. WANT TO CHANGE? The truth about our life--do we even want to change?

  2. HELPLESS TO CHANGE. The fact of our own helplessness--can we even change without outside help?

  3. SIN KEEPS US FROM CHANGE. The cause of all our trouble--do we realize what causes our sickness is sin? (Generally or specifically)

  4. HOPE FOR CHANGE IS FOUND IN JESUS. The hope that is found in Jesus--Healing and salvation are made possible by Jesus sovereignly initiating compassionately.

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: To find healing and salvation, we must 1) be willing to change,  2) find hope to change, and 3) surrender to change.

Do I want to get well even if it means change?

Do I acknowledge that I cannot change myself?

Do I realize that the reason I cannot change on my own is sin?

Am I ready and willing to surrender to Jesus so that I can change?

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"This reality should motivate us to labor with all our might to make Jesus Christ and his gospel known and loved throughout the world. Augustine wrote this beautiful reflection about Jesus Christ:

You are ever active, yet always at rest. You gather all things to yourself, though you suffer no need. ... You welcome those who come to you, though you never lost them. You release us from our debts, but you lose nothing thereby. You are my God, my Life, my holy Delight, but is this enough to say of you? Can any man say enough when he speaks of you? Yet woe betide those who are silent about you! (Confessions [IX 1], 181)

May we, by the grace of God, never be silent." -Matt Carter

  1. "I'll Do It Later (v. 35):

    1. Jesus asks the disciples a pointed question: "Don't you say, 'There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest'?" (v. 35). He's saying, "Do you guys think you need to wait before reaping the fruit of the gospel? Are you hoping it will come later? You're wrong; look at the Samaritans coming right now. What are you waiting for? The time is now!" Jesus is driving the urgency of the gospel home to the hearts of his disciples. We don't wait for a different time or a better time; the harvest is now. Go, do the work of sharing the gospel right now. Charles Spurgeon, preaching on this passage, challenged his congregation:

    2. Some of you good people, who do nothing except go to public meetings, the Bible readings, and prophetic conferences, and other forms of spiritual [indulgence], would be a good deal better Christians if you would look after the poor and needy around you. If you would just tuck up your sleeves for work, and go and tell the gospel to dying men, you would find your spiritual health mightily restored, for very much of the sickness of Christians comes through their having nothing to do. All feeding and no working gives men spiritual indigestion. Be idle, careless, with nothing to live for, nothing to care for, no sinner to pray for, no backslider to lead back to the cross, no trembler to encourage, no little child to tell of a Savior, no grey-headed man to enlighten in the things of God, no object, in fact, to live for; and who wonders if you begin to groan, and to murmur, and to look within, until you are ready to die of despair? (Cited in Hughes, John, 132) - Matt Carter

OUTLINES

N/A

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipGrace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, John, Signs & Glory, non denominational church, bible believing church
What Does Authentic Faith Look Like? | John 4:43-52 | Darien Gabriel
What Does Authentic Faith Look Like? | John 4:43-52 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: "What does authentic faith look like?

Scripture: John 4:43-54

John 1:9-12; 8:31-32

Bottom line: Authentic faith looks like an actual commitment, built on an informed belief, and a growing dependency of God.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Today we're answer the question, "What does authentic faith look like?"

When I think of the word authentic, I think of collections where value is based on the something rare being authenticated or declared the real thing.

The most valuable American coin today is a 1794 silver dollar called the Flowing Hair Silver Dollar. It has lady liberty on one side and an American eagle on the other. Many believe that it was the first coin minted by the US government. There were only 1800 made and experts think only about 120 remain. It last sold for 12 million dollars.

But it's only worth 12 million dollars if it's an authentic Flowing Hair Silver Dollar.

The question today is what does authentic faith look like. We're asking this question to setup the more important question, "Is my faith authentic?"

CONTEXT

Jesus has been talking with the woman at the well. He and the 12 got to see a whole town come to Christ. It has been an amazing day. The enemies of the Jews (the Samaritans) have trusted the Jewish Messiah! There is no earthly reason why they would do this. Only God.

John will use this town of people in Sychar to expose the contrast with the way the Jews are responding (en masse) to Jesus. (Cf. John 1:11-12)

John will also contrast the nobleman's growing faith with the hesitant faith of Nicodemus.

What does authentic faith look like?

Is my faith authentic?

SERMON

Bottom line: Authentic faith looks like an actual commitment, built on an informed belief, and a growing dependency on God.

What does authentic faith look like? (Help from Matt Carter's commentary)

I. Actual commitment--not just spiritual curiosity.

II. Informed belief--not just emotional feelings.

III. Growing dependence--not just a single decision.

Applications/questions:

  1. Are you spiritually curious? That's fine. Just don't think you're secure and good with the Lord just because you're spiritual or open. Christ calls us to follow him the rest of our life. Until you surrender to that, you're just curious. It's not a convenient faith that he calls us to--it's a costly faith. He calls us to ultimately come and die.

  2. Is your faith rooted on how you feel? I feel close to God today but not tomorrow. Emotions are a legitimate part of the human experience--even in our spiritual life. But we root our faith in truth--God's word is truth. Jesus said, "I am the way, and the truth..." We have an informed faith; a reasonable faith; not a blind faith.

  3. Is your faith growing? Are you abiding in Jesus daily? Are you walking with God daily? These are different ways of asking the question, am I growing in dependence on the Lord?

CONCLUSION

Bottom line: Authentic faith starts with an actual commitment, and an informed belief on the word, and a growing dependence.

What about you? Is your faith authentic?

Here's another way to look at it.

How do you know that you're married?

Well, you might say, I have a wedding ring and a marriage license.

I could respond, well, I know people who have a marriage license and maybe even still wear their wedding ring. But they are no longer married.

The only way to truly know you're married is because you live the married life with your spouse. You raise the kids together. You take care of the house together. You do life together.

The same is true with authentic faith. What does authentic faith look like? It looks like an actual commitment, built on an informed faith, and a growing dependence.

What about you? Is your faith authentic?

If not, what can you do?

Repent--turn from the way you're living life and turn back to the trust and follow Jesus' words, ways and works.

Believe--Rest on the calling you've received; build on the word of God; pray towards growing in Christ.`

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

"Jesus was saying, "Your experience with the Samaritans is one of reaping where you did not sow," and that surely was the case. They had not sowed, but they reaped. In our age some of us may sow, and some of us may reap. The thrust of these verses is that there is going to be a good deal of reaping, but the implication also is that sometimes we may sow and never see the results. I am reminded of the story of George Müller who founded many orphanages in the last century. Early in his life Müller made the acquaintance of three men, and he began to pray for their salvation. Müller lived a long time, but when he died, none of those men had yet trusted Christ. It is recorded in his diary that he prayed for these men daily during all those years. But that is not the end! The glorious fact is that all three of those men did meet Christ-two of them in their seventies and one in his eighties! Müller sowed, but someone else reaped. Whether we find ourselves sowing or reaping, our lives are to be permeated with a sense of urgency. Jesus' harvest mentality was part of the secret of his life. We also are meant to be harvesting!" -Kent Hughes, p. 139

"This reality should motivate us to labor with all our might to make Jesus Christ and his gospel known and loved throughout the world. Augustine wrote this beautiful reflection about Jesus Christ:

You are ever active, yet always at rest. You gather all things to yourself, though you suffer no need. ... You welcome those who come to you, though you never lost them. You release us from our debts, but you lose nothing thereby. You are my God, my Life, my holy Delight, but is this enough to say of you? Can any man say enough when he speaks of you? Yet woe betide those who are silent about you! (Confessions [IX 1], 181)

May we, by the grace of God, never be silent." -Matt Carter

  1. "I'll Do It Later (v. 35):

    1. Jesus asks the disciples a pointed question: "Don't you say, 'There are still four more months, and then comes the harvest'?" (v. 35). He's saying, "Do you guys think you need to wait before reaping the fruit of the gospel? Are you hoping it will come later? You're wrong; look at the Samaritans coming right now. What are you waiting for? The time is now!" Jesus is driving the urgency of the gospel home to the hearts of his disciples. We don't wait for a different time or a better time; the harvest is now. Go, do the work of sharing the gospel right now. Charles Spurgeon, preaching on this passage, challenged his congregation:

    2. Some of you good people, who do nothing except go to public meetings, the Bible readings, and prophetic conferences, and other forms of spiritual [indulgence], would be a good deal better Christians if you would look after the poor and needy around you. If you would just tuck up your sleeves for work, and go and tell the gospel to dying men, you would find your spiritual health mightily restored, for very much of the sickness of Christians comes through their having nothing to do. All feeding and no working gives men spiritual indigestion. Be idle, careless, with nothing to live for, nothing to care for, no sinner to pray for, no backslider to lead back to the cross, no trembler to encourage, no little child to tell of a Savior, no grey-headed man to enlighten in the things of God, no object, in fact, to live for; and who wonders if you begin to groan, and to murmur, and to look within, until you are ready to die of despair? (Cited in Hughes, John, 132) - Matt Carter

OUTLINES

N/A

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, authentic faith, John, Signs & Glory, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, Bible believing church, non denominational church
Why Do Our Relationships Suffer? Part 1 | John 4:10-26 | Darien Gabriel
Why Do Our Relationships Suffer? Part 1 | John 4:10-26 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: "Why do our relationships suffer? Part 1

Scripture: John 4:10-26

Bottom line: Christians can have great relationships. They inevitably suffer, however, when we prioritize them over our ultimate relationship-Jesus Christ.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

A great follow on Twitter/X is Gretchen Ronnevik. She's a middle-aged wife and mom of a large family raised on a farm. Homeschools, writes books, is biblically astute, and drops some great wisdom on Twitter/X.

She recently shared this:

“I watched the father who sat in front of us today (in church) manage his squirrelly kids by not reprimanding them, but rearranging the seating so he was sitting in the middle of them, and they all just leaned into him and relaxed, and there’s just a whole sermon there.” @GretchenRonnevikon X

I share this beautiful scene as an example of a healthy human relational interaction between a father and his "squirrelly kids". How was he able to do that without getting frustrated or angry with them?

I don't know this man at all but I would suggest that perhaps it's because he prioritized his relationship with Jesus even above his relationship with his children. This is what I'm getting at today when I ask the question of Christians especially, "Why do our relationships with other people suffer so?"

Prioritizing Jesus doesn't guarantee anything. But like the Proverbs, which are not promises or guarantees, they are rules of thumb that indicate that when you follow the proverb, you'll usually reap the reward the proverb says generally happens.

Ex. "Train up a child (Discipleship) in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This is not a promise. It is a rule of thumb that parents would be wise to follow. But we all know parents who did this and yet their children did not walk in the way of their parents and the Lord.

But, usually, they do.

Andy Stanley, a pastor in Atlanta, shared one time at his Drive Conference their parenting goal:

Raise up their kids in such a way that when they are grown, and have a choice, they will still want to come home to see you.

The Leaky Cup

• Imagine trying to fill a cup with a hole in the bottom. No matter how much you pour in, it keeps draining out. That's what happens when we expect people to do what only Jesus can--our relationships suffer under that pressure.

The Misdirected GPS

• A GPS set to the wrong destination can take you miles off course. In the same way, when we center our lives on anything other than Jesus, we end up lost— and so do our relationships.

How many times have we seen a dating relationship cause a friend to leave his personal convictions and even his or her friends and forget who they are all for the sake of that one, unhealthy relationship. They forget who they are and how they lived.

The Unanswered Text

• Imagine a friend pouring their heart out in a text message, but you never reply because you're too distracted. This is how we often treat people around us— missing opportunities to love, serve, and share Jesus because we're too focused on ourselves.

The Wilted Garden

• A garden neglected will wither, no matter how good the soil was at first.

Relationships suffer when we don't invest in them, just like our relationship with Jesus weakens when we neglect time with Him. But with care and attention, both can flourish.

Nicky Gumbel reminded me this week about the illustration the teacher of Ecclesiastes teaches us about the 3 cords of a healthy relationship. This is how Nicky described it:

"Better Together

I have never been very good at using visual aids. I am not a very practical person. On the other hand, my great friend, Nicky Lee (who, together with his wife Sila, has pioneered [The Marriage Course](http://www.themarriagecourses.org/try/the-marriage-course) and other courses for couples and parents), is extremely practical and often uses visual aids. When he is speaking at weddings he sometimes uses a visual aid to illustrate the passage in Ecclesiastes 4, where the writer says, ‘*Two are better than one*… A cord of three strands is not quickly broken’ (vv.9,12). As a picture of marriage, Nicky takes two strands of different coloured wool and weaves them together. Together they are stronger and yet they can quite easily be broken. Then he takes a third strand of nearly invisible fishing line. With this third strand, it is almost impossible to break the two pieces of wool. (I did try to use this illustration once but, for reasons I cannot remember, it went horribly wrong!) The point that he makes so well, and that comes out of the passage in Ecclesiastes, is that while friendships and marriages are wonderful gifts, having God at the centre of a friendship or marriage provides an invisible thread of enormous strength. In today’s passages, we see how two are stronger than one in marriage, mission and ministry."

The Bible with Nicky and Pippa Gumbel, Classic Version, 2025: Day 52 • Devotional

Every relationship's success and health depends on this fine, infinite cord of unconditional, sacrificial love. Our relationships inevitably suffer when we do not prioritize this eternal relationship above all others. John will illustrate this several ways in this passage.

Last week, he showed us that when we prioritize our relationship with Jesus, we'll cross all kinds of barriers that prevent us from having healthy relationships with those who are different than us: race, ethnicity, nationality, political preferences, economic class, social class, education, language, gender preferences and disphoria, fashion, sense of humor, and even college football team preferences.

CONTEXT

Jesus left Jerusalem to keep the peace with the disciples of John the Baptist and throw water on the religious leader's attempt to divide and conquer.

Jesus heads back towards his home region but chooses to take the shorter but more contentious route--through Samaria. It is in Samaria where the half-Jews live that centuries of hostility remain. John writes that Jesus "had to go" this route for he only did what his Father led him to do. Clearly, his Father had work for him to do among the Samaritans...and Jesus' 12 disciples.

Jesus is heading towards his public, Galilean ministry. John is now walking us through a series of encounters Jesus has with individuals. Nicodemus was first. Now, as Mikey showed us last week, he meets with the unnamed woman at the well. The comparisons and contrasts are stunning and show us that Jesus' mission of mercy and hope is for all--not just the Jews. Not just the wealthy. Not just the educated. Not just the religious. Not just the men. Not just the healthy. Not just those who think they have it all together...but I digress.

We will continue in this passage for 3 weeks total. Last week and next week, along with this week, will help us answer the question, "Why do our relationships suffer so?"

This is a valid question for anybody. But it's especially relevant for Christians. After all, aren't Christians supposed to have healthy relationships? Isn't that a fruit of the Spirit? If so, then why don't we? That's what I hope to uncover this week and next.

SERMON

Bottom line: Christians can have great relationships. They inevitably suffer, however, when we prioritize them over our ultimate relationship-Jesus Christ.

Why do our relationships suffer? In other words, how do we prioritize them over our ultimate relationship in Jesus Christ?

Because...

  1. [LAST WEEK] We let cultural barriers keep us from having them. (1-9) We are afraid to relate to people different than we are. (This was PART 1, last week) Instead, we should

    1. Cross ethnic barriers (Latino, black, Asian, white, European)

    2. Cross nationalistic barriers (USA, Canada, Mexico)

    3. Cross political barriers (Independent, Democrat, Republican)

    4. Cross language barriers (Hispanic, Portuguese, ASL)

    5. Cross societal expectation barriers (traditional like opening the door for others; men wearing hats inside, white collar, blue collar workers)

    6. Cross gender barriers (men, women, trans, LGBTQIA's)

    7. Cross economic barriers (poor, rich, middle class)

    8. Cross professional barriers (retail, hospitality industry vs medical field, financial services)

    9. Cross educational barriers (USC/Clemson; college degrees, advanced degrees, tech college, no degrees)

  2. [THIS WEEK] We seek true satisfaction in places it cannot be found (or we settle for less than)(10-15)(PART 1)

    1. It's only found with people in a faithful community of Jesus Christ

    2. You personal relationships cannot live up to your expectations ultimately

  3. We respond to conviction with excuses instead of humility, repentance and faith. (16-18)

  4. We worship without knowing the truth. (20-26) The truth is...

    1. The written word.

    2. The living word. (Cf. John 14:6)

  5. [NEXT WEEK] We ignore or get distracted from the Harvest. (27-38)(PART 2)

  6. We don't embrace and/or share our story/testimony. (39-42)

CONCLUSION

"This interruption to the encounter provides an opportunity for us to consider the situation from the perspective of the church and its failures. The disciples were already beginning to fall into the trap of allowing their view of 'church' to be conditioned by the cultural and ethnic baggage of their day. Jesus therefore makes them think again. Their surprise at the conversation they had observed was a symptom of the prejudice that lurked in their hearts and of their failure to grasp what Christ's mission entailed.

Jesus' response is to ignore the food they had taken the trouble to bring and to express, in startling fashion, that the 'bread and butter' of his existence was to do his Father's will (4:34). If they became less, concerned about their stomachs and more concerned about the souls of the lost, then they too would share in that work. With a measure of rebuke, he says to them,

Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest' (4:35). That rebuke to the. professing church reverberates down to the present day. We too need to be less preoccupied with ourselves and our own petty concerns and more concerned with the eternal needs of a lost humanity.

It may well be that there is some significance in the fact that Jesus speaks of the fields being 'white' for harvest. There are no Middle Eastern crops in fact that are actually white when ready for reaping!

However, the first thing the disciples saw when they looked up was a crowd of people - clothed for the most part, probably, in white robes - coming towards them (4:30). This immediately made them appreciate what Jesus was saying. It was in a human harvest that they were to be involved - and one that was to include even their traditional enemies! The amazing sight of almost an entire village of Samaritans coming to faith in Christ, and their more amazing testimony - 'we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Saviour of the world' (4:42) - is an unprecedented witness to the fact that Jesus is the Christ. The end-point of this circuitous diversion in Jesus' itinerary has been to bring two groups of people - the residents of Sychar and the twelve disciples - face to face with themselves, with God, and ultimately with Jesus in his true Messianic credentials. This also is the end-point of the gospel."

Let's Atudy John, Mark Johnston, pp. 64-65

The bottom line is that...

Bottom line: Christians can have great relationships. They inevitably suffer, however, when we prioritize them over our ultimate relationship-Jesus Christ.

Our marriage would have failed long ago if I hadn't prioritized my relationship with Jesus over even her. By learning to love him more, my capacity to love her has only increased. He's still making me less selfish and entitled.

Our now-grown children would not come home now that they have a choice. And when they come, they bring their own children. (Sometimes they even leave them with you!)

Andy Stanley shared one time their parenting goal: Raise up their kids in such a way that when they are grown and have a choice, they will still want to come home to see you.

My relationship with my dad could get bumpy depending on how much advice he insisted on giving our kids. I remember one time blowing up at him because he was leaning hard on one of our daughters about her future plans. He wouldn't let up and I lost it. Because of Christ, that was not normal for me. So he was able to forgive me and we were able to move forward without long-term hurt or drama.

My relationship with my mom used to be tenuous because while I was in seminary I confronted her on her faith in a pretty harsh way. My desire was a good one (make sure she knew Christ). But my execution was not good. Over time, however, as I let Christ shape me into a more gentle, patient, trusting-in-Jesus person, she was able to see Christ in me and that overcame my clumsy, insensitive sharing with her. Now we have an amazing relationship that I cherish dearly.

Those things didn't happen because I'm such a great guy or we're such great parents. Those relationships have gone well, overall, because we prioritize our relationship with Christ over all others.

As a result, we cross barriers to have relationships with people who are different than us.

We seek true satisfaction in the living water of the Spirit of Christ over any one person or family.

We respond to conviction to sin with humility and openness to what he would have us learn.

We don't limit our worship to a place, liturgy, style, time, building because to truly worship the Lord is to do so in spirit and in truth. We make knowing him through the word a priority because that's our best source of truth about who God is and what he's doing.

We lift up our eyes to the harvest that matters most to Jesus. We have a vision for our lives that puts our relationship with him at such a place, that what matters most to him matters most to us as well. This is where our true priorities are revealed. Do we love the least, the last and the lost around us enough to enter into a relationship with some of them?

We share our story with others. We prayer-care-share like the Lighthouse Movement teaches. We pray for others who are in our personal circles of influence. We care for them as God gives us opportunity. Then we share with them our story and how they can have a better story through Jesus as God opens those doors.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

The phrase “lift up your eyes” appears multiple times in the Bible. Here are some key passages in the ESV translation:

1. Genesis 13:14 – The LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him, “Lift up your eyes and look from the place where you are, northward and southward and eastward and westward,”

2. Genesis 31:12 – And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, for I have seen all that Laban is doing to you.’

3. Isaiah 40:26 – Lift up your eyes on high and see: who created these? He who brings out their host by number, calling them all by name; by the greatness of his might and because he is strong in power, not one is missing.

4. John 4:35 – Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, then comes the harvest’? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.

OUTLINES

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

R. Kent Hughes, "John: Preaching the Word" Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg, "Exalting Jesus in John"

FF Bruce, "The Gospels & Epistles of John"

RC Sproul, "John"

Köstenberger, "John"

DA Carson, "The Gospel According to John"

Mark Johnston, "Let's Study John"

Leslie Newbigin, "The Light Has Come"

Patrick Schreiner, "The Visual Word"

John Piper, “Look at the Book”

Walvoord, Zuck, “The Bible Knowledge Commentary” (BKC)

Warren Wiersbe, “The Bible Exposition Commentary” (BEC)

D Willmington, "The Outline Bible" (OB)

"NIV Study Bible" (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

"Chronological Life Application Study Bible" (NLT)

"ESV Study Bible" (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

"The Bible Project" https://bibleproject.com

Nicky & Pippa Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Perplexity AI

Google Gemini

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, bible believing church, Ladosn, Ladson, S, SC, Darien Gabriel, John, relationships suffer
Where is Your Samaria? | John 4:1-10 | Mikey Brannon
Where is Your Samaria? | John 4:1-10 | Mikey Brannon

here Is Your Samaria? Grace Christian Fellowship Mikey Brannon February 16, 2024 The Haircut o Can you get me in? But barber wasn’t there because of an emergency. o Julie can do it though. Hair was sticking up in spike, it was all different colors. She had 100 piercings, shoes didn’t match. Polka dotted pants and a flannel shirt. She said I’m Julie are you Jack? o Thought I’ll just go to sleep. I hope she hurries. We have nothing in common. I don’t want to hear anything she has to say. o Where do you work? Down at the big church by the interstate. o She said Oh yeah I was there the other day. She said, my momma is cocaine addict. My uncle is cocaine addict. Somebody gave us a Christian video the other day, and we sat down and watched it. She said, I don’t know nothing about the Bible, but I knew when I finished watching it, I didn’t want to go to hell. o So I went down there to buy a Bible. I don’t know what to do. Already read a bunch, but I don’t know what I’m reading. o Tears are streaming down her face. By this point many of the other people in the barber shop are frozen, some are crying. o Got up out of that chair, broken by his own obstinance to the direction of the Holy Spirit, he said Julie I want to 1 apologize to you for not telling you about Jesus, but you stay right here because I’m going to get a bible study out of my car and I’m going to help you know all about Jesus. o Oh how many times do we try to decide where the Spirit gets to move and where the Spirit does not get to move ▪ That person doesn’t look like me ▪ That person is annoying ▪ He’s dirty, he’s on drugs, she is a lowlife sinner ▪ I’m an introvert. I’m just shy. I don’t even know that person. ▪ I don’t talk about religion at work, or school, or at the gym. Transition to Key Verse (John 3:8) o First talk about the hermeneutical principle of context (Contextual Interpretation). Why is this story here? o We have been looking the last few weeks at John 3, and the story of Nicodemus. o And today we have this abrupt shift where Jesus leaves Judea for an entirely new setting. So it is important to ask ourselves why is this passage placed here. o I think I know why. In fact, I want to give overwhelm you with reasons this morning so that hopefully you would agree with me. o Do you remember back in school when you would have a reading assignment, and you would get back to class and the teacher would say. Now that you all have read the book, I want you to write a paper where you compare and contrast a key character in the story? o I think that is exactly why John places this story of Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well, next to the passage of Nicodemus. He (under inspiration of the HS) 2 wants us to see the similarities, but he also wants us to see the differences. And I really believe that both of these stories tie back to a key verse in John 3 and verse 8. ▪ [Jhn 3:8 ESV] 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit." • The wind is abstract, you can’t see it • The wind is random or unpredictable • That is the way it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit • We don’t know where the Spirit is going to move. Baber shop, work, school, on an afternoon walk. • But many of us, if we are honest try to play assistant Holy Spirit all the time. o So we have both of these stories, and I content that both of them are linked to this passage. Where Jesus is showing us exactly how unexpected movements of the Spirit, Salvation, can be. The Comparison What do both of these stories have in common? ▪ They are beside each other in the Gospel of John (John 3 & John 4) ▪ Both are personal extended conversations with Jesus. ▪ Both conversations are about the nature of salvation. ▪ In both cases Jesus is well aware of who he is talking to. Even aware of personal details. ▪ Both Nicodemus and the woman start off by misunderstanding Jesus in an overly literal way. 3 4 ▪ Both conversations deal with the Holy Spirit The Contrast ▪ I believe these stories are meant to be compared ▪ I’m the 1,000,000th person also to make this comparison. Nicodemus, John 3 Woman at the Well, John 4 Nicodemus is a man, we know his name, he is prominent member of society well respected and powerful. She is a woman. We don’t know her name and she is an outcast from society. She had no social status and is without any power. He is a devout Jew. Even the teacher of the Jews. He is a member of the ruling council (the Sanhedrin). She is an immoral Samaritan. She is from a culture of misfits. Kings 17:24. Because of this influence from the Assyrians The region and its people were polluted with false idols religions, and as such were looked down on by Jewish people. He would have been viewed as righteous by his peers. She would have been viewed as unrighteous and scorned by her peers. He was educated. She was uneducated. Discussion is a night Discussion is in the day. Walks away confused, and is slow to come to Faith. His community remains unbelievers. Walks away with understanding, is quick to receive faith and her community is significantly impacted. Jesus doesn’t explicitly reveal the fullness of his identity. Jesus for the first time reveals himself as God the son incarnate. You expect the Spirit to move in the direction of Nicodemus The W@tW is the last place you expect the Spirit to move. 5 In your mind right now as we learn more about this Samaritan woman, I want you to be thinking back to Julie the hairdresser. You see the woman at the well was a picture of desperation. She was broken and wanted nothing more in her life than to have peace. [Luk 5:30-32 ESV] 30 And the Pharisees and their scribes grumbled at his disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?" 31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 32 I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." I think when we read about the Pharisees there is (with me) a temptation to externalize them a little. To think wow those guys were horrible. But whenever you catch yourself doing that I want you to stop and ask yourself a question. In what ways am I just like that. Because I really believe there is a little Pharisee in each of us. [Jhn 4:1 ESV] 1 Now when Jesus learned that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John • Pastor Darrien discussed this last week. JTB realized that he must decrease and Christ must increase. • John the Baptist is already in prison at this point. The Pharisees already suspicious of his growing popularity, and probably even have spies reporting on what Jesus is doing. • Talk about why Jesus was a threat to them, and why Jesus is a threat to the world today. 6 [Jhn 4:2 ESV] 2 (although Jesus himself did not baptize, but only his disciples), • Jesus didn’t baptize personally because of the division that might have caused. • People would have been tempted to think they were superior because they had been baptized by Jesus. See 1 Corinthians 1:12-15. • Talk here about Baptismal regeneration. Good proof text for knowing that baptism is not a requirement for salvation, but is done as a demonstration of salvation. [Jhn 4:3 ESV] 3 he left Judea and departed again for Galilee. • https://www.jesuswalk.com/john/maps/jerusalem-cana samaria-2148x3472x300.jpg • 70 mile walk • Talk about Messianic timing and his perfect connection with the Holy Spirit. • [Jhn 7:30 ESV] 30 So they were seeking to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him, because his hour had not yet come. • JTB ministry had cleared the way for Jesus to go to Galilee. It was under Herod’s jurisdiction and the last known spot where we have John’s ministry before imprisonment. [Jhn 4:4 ESV] 4 And he had to pass through Samaria. • Look at map. • Because of the geographic location travelers were often making their way through this region. • However, the real reason is not geographic necessity it is because of a divine appointment. Talk about God’s sovereignty is all aspects of our life. How the lady was just going for water, but the appointment for her was set before the foundation of the world. • Jesus took the most direct path available. In that day most Jews would have opted for the longer route across the Jordan river because they had such a disdain for the Samaritan people. The believed that they would be defiled just by being near the people. • Parable of the good Samaritan (Luke 10) o Beaten, striped, thrown away for dead o Priest comes by, moved as far away as possible and kept walking o Levite does the same o Then we have Samaritan 7 • “had to” – verb John often uses to denote Jesus perfect obedience to the mission given to him by his Father. • Give an example of a person who is obedient, but we don’t do it perfectly [Jhn 4:5 ESV] 5 So he came to a town of Samaria called Sychar, near the field that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. • Sychar mountain village located on Mount Ebal. Recall back in the book of Joshua • [Jos 8:33-34 ESV] 33 And all Israel, sojourner as well as native born, with their elders and officers and their judges, stood on opposite sides of the ark before the Levitical priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded at the first, to bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. • The Talmud explains that as the priest would say the positive of the curse they would all face toward Mount Garizim and for the negative of the they would face Mount Ebal. • What is the Samaria in your life? What group of location have you made off limits to the gospel. (work, school, home, friend group). • Religion had become about living in a bubble. If we are honest with ourselves we too create for ourselves bubbles that we fit in. And then we justify why those bubbles exist. [Jhn 4:6 ESV] 6 Jacob's well was there; so Jesus, wearied as he was from his journey, was sitting beside the well. It was about the sixth hour. • https://images.app.goo.gl/JTNTtkGQ7XYqQBdb9 • Modern site that is claimed to be Jacob’s well. Location is pretty well established from tradition and writings. • Jacob -> Joseph shortly before he died (Gen 48) • 6th hour -> Noon. Jewish time starts counting at sunrise about 6 am. • Jesus has become weary. Gospel writers never tried to conceal Jesus’ humanity or Jesus’ divinity. We believe that Jesus is 100% man and 100% God. Bad math, but good theology. • Jesus humanity is required in order for him to be an appropriate sacrifice • [Heb 2:17 ESV] 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a 8 merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. [Jhn 4:7 ESV] 7 A woman from Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink." • It is unusually that this woman would come to the well at noon. Customarily this practice (Gen 24:11) would be done in the evening. • Another unusual detail is the distance this woman would have walked from the village to get to this particular well. • We will find out later in the story why. She is an outcast from the outcasts. Likely someone who regularly receives shame and scorn from others. • In fact she would rather come to the well in the heat of the day, than to have to endure the shame that she would otherwise receive. • To the discouraged, realize that God’s providence is in control, and he provides hope in the most mundane of things. Here is this woman just going to the well on any old day, and she is about to have the most life changing moment of her life. [Jhn 4:8 ESV] 8 (For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food.) • Jesus is not being exclusive or pretentious by sending his disciples. This was customary. Because Jesus was the Rabbi, it was normal for the students of the teacher to gather the food. [Jhn 4:9 ESV] 9 The Samaritan woman said to him, "How is it that you, a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?" (For Jews have no • Jews had transactions buy things, but could not share drinks food utensils. They were considered dirty. • How thirsty was this woman? o She wasn’t seeking God o She was living in sin, running from God o She was seeking peace, guilt relief, but not God 9 dealings with Samaritans.) [Jhn 4:10 ESV] 10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water." • Jesus moves strait past her comment about the fued between the Samaritans and the Jews. He knows that this is a side bar and he gets right to the heart of the matter. • If you only knew who it is that asks you he says. o Can you imagine is she only knew? She sees a dirty, thirsty, tired traveler. o Jesus says if you only knew. If she only knew that the one who asks was: ▪ The word become flesh ▪ The one who hung the starts in the sky ▪ The one by whom all of creation came to be ▪ The one who was, the one is, and the one who is to come ▪ He is the I Am. As we close here, I want to ask the musicians and those serving the Lord’s supper this morning to be making their way. I want to leave you with two thoughts. As you pray this morning and as you remember what Jesus did for you on the Cross. How is blood was spilled, how his body was broken. I ask you to search your heart of sin this morning. There’s a couple of ways I want you to think about this sermon this morning. For some of you, I want you to think about where is Samaria for you. What is the place that you have marked off limits to God. If we are honest, we can admit that we have been trying to control which way the wind Where is the difficult place or the difficult thing that God is asking of you to go. This morning I want you to pray and take care of that. But I think there may be a second group of people here also. Because some of you may feel like you are not the Pharisees in the story, but maybe you feel like the Samaritan woman. You might say, this all sounds good Mikey, but I’m in a dirty dark spot. Down here where I am I just don’t think Jesus is willing to come. I’ve done things, I’ve burned bridges, I’ve broken relationships and I’m like that Samaritan woman. I think Jesus this morning is sitting on the well, and he’s waiting for you to walk up. And this morning he looks directly at you and says, I’m really thirsty would you mind getting me a drink? Don’t walk away from him. Let’s pray

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Guest UserGrace Christian FellowshipMikey Brannon, John, Signs and Glory, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible believing church, non denominational church
Should Jesus Matter More Than Me? | John 3:22-36 | Darien Gabriel
Should Jesus Matter More Than Me? | John 3:22-36 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: “Should Jesus Matter More Than Me?”

Scripture: John 3:22-36

Bottom line: It's not about me. If I follow Jesus, He must become greater--I must become less.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Should Jesus matter more than me?

I mean we just read John 3:16 where we see that God loved the world--us--so much that he gave his one and only son (the most precious thing he could give) that whoever believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. That makes it seem like God is making much of me! That I matter to him!

And we do! "But God demonstrates his love in this, that while we were still sinners Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)

But it's because of that great love for us that he demonstrates his greatness even more. This is why he's worthy to live our lives for. This is why he matters most.

In our world, our culture, it's all about #1. It's all about taking care of myself. What's best for me. What's in it for me. But this isn't at all how the Bible teaches us to live. In fact, it's 180 degrees the other way. It's not about me. It's all about Jesus--my creator and savior.

2. The Olympic Torchbearer Who Knew His Role

In the Olympic Games, the torch relay is a huge honor. Runners carry the flame for a short distance before passing it to the next person. No single runner tries to hold onto the torch forever—each one understands their job is to carry it for a time and then hand it off.

John the Baptist saw his role the same way. He wasn’t the light—he was just carrying the flame until Jesus, the true light, arrived. He gladly stepped aside because he knew it was never about him.

Tie-in: Are we holding onto our own importance too tightly, or are we willing to pass the torch so Jesus can be seen more clearly?

So, should Jesus matter more than me?

Yes.

Why? Good question. The apostle John answers this question 4 ways in John 3:22-36. Let's take a look.

CONTEXT

Jesus & company move out from the city of Jerusalem to the Judean countryside to preach and baptize. Seeing the planned transition from J the B to J the C, this causes heartburn for John's disciples. Not unlike when a beloved pastor moves on from a church, the congregants are sometimes reluctant to follow the new pastor, even though it's often God's will.

SERMON

Bottom line: It's not about me. If I follow Jesus, He must become greater--I must become less.

Main Idea: John the Baptist’s response to his disciples shows us why Jesus must take first place in our lives—and why we must be willing to step back so He can be exalted.

Jesus matters more because...

  1. The Church (Bride) belongs to Him. (22-29)

  2. He comes from above (heaven). (30-31)

  3. His words are God's words. (32-34)

  4. He holds my eternity. (35-36)

Let's break this down a few verses at a time.

1. Jesus Matters More Because the Church Belongs to Him (vv. 22–29)

The Best Man Who Tried to Steal the Show

Imagine a wedding where the best man keeps stepping in front of the groom, trying to take the spotlight. Instead of celebrating the couple, he gives a long speech about himself, tries to dance with the bride, and insists that everyone pay attention to him.

That would be ridiculous, right? After all, that day is for the bride and groom. It's their day! And the best man should be pointing everyone else to them. That's actually his job!

But that’s exactly what happens when we try to make life about us instead of pointing to Jesus. John the Baptist understood this—his joy was in stepping aside so Jesus could take center stage.

Tie-in: Are we content being the “best man” who points to Jesus, or are we still trying to be the main attraction?

So, Jesus matters more because the Church (aka the Bride) belongs to Him..

• John calls himself the “friend of the bridegroom,” rejoicing that the bride (God’s people) belongs to Jesus, not to him.

• It’s not about building our platform, reputation, or influence—it’s about pointing people to Christ.

• Application: Am I more focused on my own importance, or am I helping others love Jesus more?

2. Jesus Matters More Because He Comes from Above (vv. 30–31)

• John contrasts himself (earthly) with Jesus (from heaven). Jesus isn’t just another teacher—He is God’s Son.

• This means He deserves absolute authority in our lives.

• Application: Who has the final say in my decisions—Jesus or me?

3. Jesus Matters More Because His Words Are God’s Words (vv. 32–34)

• Jesus speaks with firsthand knowledge of heaven, and God has given Him the Spirit without measure.

• To reject Jesus’ words is to reject God Himself.

• Application: Do I listen to Jesus above all other voices—culture, opinion, even my own desires?

4. Jesus Matters More Because He Holds My Eternity (vv. 35–36)

• The Father has placed everything in Jesus’ hands—life, judgment, salvation.

• Belief in Jesus leads to eternal life, but rejecting Him brings God’s wrath.

• Application: Am I fully trusting in Jesus, or am I still holding on to control?

CONCLUSION

John the Baptist knew his role—he wasn’t the main event, just the one pointing to Jesus. His joy was complete when Jesus was exalted. So, should Jesus matter more than me? According to John, there’s no question—He must.

Application questions for us today:

• Am I more focused on my own importance, or am I helping others love Jesus more?

• Who has the final say in my decisions—Jesus or me?

• Do I listen to Jesus above all other voices—culture, opinion, even my own desires?

• Am I fully trusting in Jesus, or am I still holding on to control?

Bottom line: It's not about me. If I follow Jesus, He must become greater--I must become less.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

ChatGPT describes a Jewish wedding in Jesus' day in this way:

"A traditional Jewish wedding in Jesus’ day followed a structured process with deep cultural and theological significance. Understanding this context helps illuminate John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:29:

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete.” (ESV)

Stages of a Jewish Wedding in Jesus’ Day

1. Betrothal (Kiddushin) – The Legal Commitment

• The marriage process began with betrothal, a legally binding agreement arranged by the families.

• The groom would present a bride price (mohar) to the bride’s father as a symbol of his commitment.

• A written contract (ketubah) outlined the husband’s responsibilities to his wife.

• The couple was considered legally married at this point, though they did not yet live together or consummate the marriage.

• The groom would then leave to prepare a home for his bride, often an addition to his father’s house.

2. Waiting Period – The Groom’s Preparation

• The groom would spend months, sometimes a year, preparing a home for his bride.

• The bride remained at her family’s house, preparing herself and staying pure for the wedding.

• The exact time of the groom’s return was often unknown, adding a sense of expectation.

3. The Wedding Procession – The Groom Comes for His Bride

• When the groom’s father declared that everything was ready, the groom would gather his friends and go to the bride’s house, often at night.

• The bride and her attendants would hear the groom’s approach, and she had to be ready to go with him immediately.

• This imagery is reflected in Jesus’ parable of the ten virgins (Matthew 25:1–13).

4. The Wedding Ceremony and Feast

• The bride and groom were escorted to the wedding feast, which could last up to seven days.

• The marriage was consummated, symbolizing their full union.

• The feast was a time of great joy, with music, dancing, and celebration.

How This Relates to John 3:29

John the Baptist identifies himself as the friend of the bridegroom (what we might call the “best man” today). In Jewish custom, this role was filled by someone who helped prepare the wedding and ensured everything was in order. His greatest joy was seeing the groom receive his bride.

• Jesus is the Bridegroom – He has come to claim His people (the bride).

• John is the Friend of the Bridegroom – His role was to prepare the way for Jesus, not to take center stage.

• The Bride Represents God’s People – In a broader biblical theme, the Church is the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–32, Revelation 19:7–9).

John’s joy is complete because the groom (Jesus) has arrived and is beginning to gather His bride. His ministry was never about himself but about preparing the way for Jesus.

A traditional Jewish wedding in Jesus’ day followed a structured process with deep cultural and theological significance. Understanding this context helps illuminate John the Baptist’s statement in John 3:29:

“The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore, this joy of mine is now complete.” (ESV)

This is helpful in thinking through John 3:29 as well as the parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13.

OUTLINES

Willmington's OUTLINE Bible (JOHN 3):

Jesus meets with Nicodemus and tells him in order to be saved, all people must be born again. John the Baptist tells his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah.

JOHN EXALTS THE PERSON OF SALVATION (3:22-36)

A. The argument (3:22-26): A debate occurs among John's disciples concerning which baptism is valid-those performed by John or Jesus.

B. The affirmation (3:27-36): John once again gives testimony concerning the greatness of Jesus.

1. Jesus is the bridegroom, while John is but a friend of the bridegroom (3:27-29).

2. Jesus must become greater and greater, while John must become less and less (3:30-36).

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, bible believing church, Ladson, SC, non denominational church, John, Signs and Glory, Jesus matter more than me
How Can I Be Born Again? | John 3:16-21 | Darien Gabriel
How Can I Be Born Again? | John 3:16-21 | Darien Gabriel

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: "How can I be born again?"

Scripture: John 3:16-21

John 1:11-13

Numbers 21:4-9

Bottom line: Every person can be born again (from above), enter the kingdom of God, and receive eternal life by looking to Jesus on the pole (cross) and believing that God loves them that much.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

It's really important to read scripture in multiple translations so let me give you a different translation to hear this verse in today:

Ahoy, mateys! Let me spin ye a tale from the good book, as only Cap'n Jack Sparrow could tell it. Ahem...

"Fer God so loved the scallywags of the world, that he gave his one and only son, that whoever swigs a bottle o' rum with him shall not be keelhauled, but have a bounce life that never runs aground, savvy?"

CONTEXT

"Whereas the emphasis in 3:1-8 was on the necessity of spiritual rebirth, the focus in 3:12-18 is on believing; thus, the themes of divine sovereignty and human responsibility are balanced. (Ridderbos 1997)" via Köstenberger, emphasis mine

Note: In my opinion, this quote would be more accurate if he said either "spiritual birth" or "rebirth" but "spiritual rebirth" is not accurate.

"Because John 3:16 is sandwiched between vv. 14-15 and v. 17, the fact that God gave his one and only Son is tied both to the Son's incarnation

(v. 17) and to his death (vv. 14-15). That is the immediate result of the love of God for the world: the mission of the Son. His ultimate purpose is the salvation of those in the world who believe in him...Whoever believes in him experiences new birth (3:3, 5), has eternal life (3:15, 16), is saved (3:17); the alternative is to perish (cf. also 10:28), to lose one's life (12:25), to be doomed to destruction (17:12, cognate with 'to perish'). There is no third option." -Carson

SERMON

Every person can be born again, enter into the kingdom of God, and receive eternal life by looking to the cross of Christ and believing that God loves them that much.

Why? For God so loved the world that he...

  1. GAVE "Gave his one and only son."

    1. God gave (sent in v. 17) his son in the flesh (at his birth) to show and tell us the way to true life.

    2. Love sent his son down to shine brightly as "The light of the world" so that our evil deeds could be revealed and turned away from.

  2. To SAVE "...to save the world through (Jesus)."

    1. God gave (sent in v. 17) his son up to be crucified for love. "But God demonstrates his love in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8

    2. To save us from eternal condemnation unto new life in his kingdom.

How? God births us from above, bringing us to eternal life in his kingdom when we

  1. BELIEVE by looking to the cross of Jesus, that God loved us that much, so that we can

  2. LIVE forever with him. We receive abundant, eternal life by trusting his words on being born again.

CONCLUSION

A Native American tribal chief was well-known throughout his region for being upright and courageous. To establish justice, he set up a punishment system for crimes.

Even after the chief had begun to enforce his stringent policies, thievery was a serious problem. Enraged by the blatant law breaking, he increased the punishment for theft to a severe beating.

Not long after he issued this decree, a thief was caught. To the chief's horror, it was his own mother! He was in a state of turmoil: Would he allow his own mother to be beaten and show himself to be unloving, or would he cancel her punishment and show himself to be unjust?

His tribe began to wager, some thinking he would be cruel, others that he would be lenient. Finally the time arrived for the punishment to be given. To the shock of everyone, the chief had his mother tied to the post. Surely the woman would die!

But just before the first crack of the whip by the ready warrior, the chief called for a halt. He stepped up, wrapped his arms around his mother's small frame, and took the beating himself.

This story shows how God is both just and loving.

Bottom line: Every person can be born again (from above), enter the kingdom of God, and receive eternal life by looking to the pole (cross) and believing that God loves them that much.

The message of the Bible is a simple message about God's love and mercy, about man's sin and need, and about the rescue that's found in Jesus Christ.

In simple words Sally Lloyd-Jones captures the love of God demonstrated in the death of his Son:

"So you're a king, are you?" the Roman soldiers jeered. "Then you'll need a crown and a robe."

They gave Jesus a crown made out of thorns. And put a purple robe on Him. And pretended to bow down to Him.

"Your Majesty!" they said.

Then they whipped Him. And spat on Him. They didn't understand that this was the Prince of Life, the King of heaven and earth, who had come to rescue them.

The soldiers made him a sign-"Our King" and nailed it

to a wooden cross.

They walked up a hill outside the city. Jesus carried the cross on His back. Jesus had never done anything wrong. But they were going to kill Him the way criminals were killed.

They nailed Jesus to the cross.

"Father, forgive them," Jesus gasped. "They don't

understand what they're doing."

"You say you've come to rescue us!" people shouted. "But

you can't even rescue yourself!"

But they were wrong. Jesus could have rescued Himself. A legion of angels would have flown to His side-if He'd called.

"If you were really the Son of God, you could just climb

down off that cross!" they said

And of course they were right. Jesus could have just climbed down. Actually, He could have just said a word and made it all stop. Like when He healed that little girl. And stilled the storm. And fed five thousand people.

But Jesus stayed.

You see, they didn't understand. It wasn't the nails that kept Jesus there. It was love. (The Jesus Storybook Bible by Saliy Lloyd-Jones, 302-6)

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

In a gallery where artistic masterpieces are on display, it is not the masterpieces but the visitors that are on trial. The works which they view are not there to abide their question, but they reveal their own taste (or lack of it) by their reactions to what they see.

The pop-star who was reported some years ago to have dismissed the Mona Lisa as 'a load of rubbish' (except that he used a less polite word than 'rubbish') did not tell us anything about the Mona Lisa; he told us much about himself. What is true in the aesthetic realm is equally true in the spiritual realm. The man who depreciates Christ, or thinks him unworthy of his allegiance, passes judgment on himself, not on Christ.

FF Bruce, p. 91

The motions to teach/remember John 3:16

"Have you heard about the man who sent a letter to twenty-five men in his town? It said: "All has been exposed. Flee at once." In response, all twenty-five men left town. What would you do if you got a letter like that? Even as Christians, we still feel that tug at our heart that causes us to look for a place to hide in the darkness rather than seeking the light of Christ." RC Sproul

OUTLINES

Willmington's OUTLINE Bible (JOHN 3):

Jesus meets with Nicodemus and tells him in order to be saved, all people must be born again. John the Baptist tells his disciples that Jesus is the Messiah.

1. JESUS EXPLAINS THE PLAN OF SALVATION (3:1-21): A man named Nicodemus visits Jesus by night.

LAST WEEK

A. The credentials of Nicodemus (3:1): He is both a member of the Jewish Sanhedrin and a Pharisee.

B. The confession of Nicodemus (3:2): He acknowledges that Jesus is from God because of his miracles.

C. The command to Nicodemus (3:3): Jesus says he needs the new birth.

D. The confusion of Nicodemus (3:4): He confuses spiritual birth with physical birth.

E. The chastening of Nicodemus (3:9-13): Jesus chides him for not knowing these things even though he is a respected Jewish teacher.

F. The clarification for Nicodemus (3:5-8, 14-15): Jesus employs three illustrations to explain the new birth to Nicodemus. (Cf. Ezekiel 36:25-28)

THIS WEEK

G. The conclusion for Nicodemus (3:16-21): Jesus now summarizes both the subjects of salvation and condemnation!

1. The persons (3:16)

a. The Father gave his Son (3:16a).

b. The Son will give his life (3:16b).

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

The Gospels & Epistles of John, FF Bruce

John, RC Sproul

John, Köstenberger

The Gospel According to John, DA Carson

The Light Has Come, Leslie Newbigin

The Visual Word, Patrick Schreiner

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

Nicky Gumbel bible reading plan app or via YouVersion

Claude.ai

ChatGPT

Google Gemini

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, bible believing church, John, Signs and Glory, born again
Is Turning Water into Wine a Lightweight Miracle? | John 2:1-11 | Ken Dorrity
Is Turning Water into Wine a Lightweight Miracle? | John 2:1-11 | Ken Dorrity

John states the purpose in John 20:30-31.  30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. 31 But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.

 

A.   The Ministry of the Pre-incarnate King (1:1-18)

B.    The Ministry of the Incarnate King (1:19-19:42)

C.   The Ministry of the Risen King (20:1-21:25)

Weddings could last a week, and supplies would be needed for all the guests.   


Responsibility for providing appropriate hospitality for the family, friends, and guests.    Running out of wine during the weeklong celebration would be insulting to all the guests, reflected poorly on the bridegroom, and could face a lawsuit.


John 2:4 - 

Jesus was not be disrespectful for calling Mary, "woman."  Like Ma'am or Madam today.  He used the same term from the cross in John 19:26

What was the hour?  The hour was the time of Jesus’ suffering and death.  John 7:30; 8:20; 12:23


DA Carson – “John prefers the simple word, ‘signs.’  Jesus’s miracles are never simple naked displays of power, still less neat conjuring tricks to impress the masses, but signs, significant display of power that point beyond themselves to the deeper realities that could be perceived with the eyes of faith.”


Is turning water to wine a lightweight miracle?  It might seem like it compared to raising someone from the dead, but like the other miracles, it points to Jesus being the Messiah


Do we have eyes of faith, looking around to see the little ways Jesus shows Himself to us?

Read More
Ken DorrityGrace Christian FellowshipKen Dorrity, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible believing church, non denominational church, John, Signs and Glory
How Do We Receive the Life Jesus Promises? | John 1:6-13
How Do We Receive the Life Jesus Promises? | John 1:6-13

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: How do we receive the life Jesus promises?

Scripture: John 1:6-13

Bottom line: We receive the life Jesus promises by responding to the light, believing Jesus' is who he says he is and will do all he's promised to do.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Yes, we're talking about life eternal. But eternal life isn't worth much if it's not also amazing. Joyful; peaceful; purposeful; powerful; life-giving. But it all starts with having life in the first place. We are born into a dark world. We need rescuing from that dark world. And when you're life hangs in the balance, rescue is all you can think of.

The Lifeboat and the Drowning Sailor

In 1982, Steven Callahan was stranded in the Atlantic Ocean after his sailboat sank. For 76 days, he drifted in a small inflatable raft, battling hunger, thirst, and exposure. One day, he saw a rescue ship approaching, but it couldn’t immediately spot him. Desperate, he used a flare and a mirror to signal his location. Finally, the rescuers spotted him and pulled him to safety.

• Connection: The rescue ship was there, fully capable of saving him, but Steven had to signal his willingness to be rescued. He had to acknowledge his need and respond to the rescuers’ efforts. In the same way, Jesus has come into the world as the Light and the source of life, but we must respond to Him by receiving and believing.

Steve recognized the rescue ship. God gave him the ability to see his potential rescue.

Steve responded to the presence of this ship by sending up the flare and by using the mirror.

Steve relied on the ship to do what he himself could not do--rescue him from his life and death situation. His belief that the ship could rescue him was seen in his willingness to acknowledge his need for a rescuer and that it could actually happen.

This is what John will be talking about today in this passage.

-ChatGPT helped me with this

CONTEXT

This series is called Signs & Glory. Zooming out, this book of the Bible by John the Apostle or Disciple is written that we might believe that Jesus is the Messiah and the Son of God and that by believing have life in his name. That's the point of this gospel account of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus the Christ.

Zooming in further, we see this gospel account divided into 2 major sections.

The first 12 chapters will show us the 7 signs of belief along with many others truths that illustrate and justify the teachings of Jesus.

Chapters 13-20 will show us the glory of God on full display. We'll see the light, life and love of God through his divine AND human son, Jesus of Nazareth during the last week of his life.

The first few weeks of our series, we zoom into one of the most important and profound passages in the Bible: The Prologue, John 1:1-18. This tells us a lot about who Jesus is and all he's promised to do.

Today we'll focus on verses 6-13. We'll be introduced to John, but not the John who likely wrote this gospel. Instead, John the Baptizer, the greatest prophet to ever live, according to Jesus. John does what he calls each of us to do. Be a witness. Testify to the light to a dark world.

What do you do when someone is ready to receive Jesus? Do you know how to lead someone to walk in the light with Jesus? John and John will tell us how today!

SERMON

Read and comment on John 1:6-13. Connecting the theology of the passage to practical application:

Jesus says in John 8:12, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." In this passage, we see that gives us the opportunity this Christmas season to recognize the light (Jesus), maybe for the first time, respond to the light (by grace through faith), maybe for the first time, and then, truly relying on the light (power of God) to deliver on his promise stated in John 8:12.

1. Recognize the Light (vv. 6–9)

• John the Baptist came to point others to Jesus, the true Light. Like him, we must clearly recognize that Jesus is the only source of life and truth in a world of spiritual darkness.

• Application: Examine your own life—are you seeking truth and guidance from the Light of Christ, or relying on other “false lights” such as human wisdom, tradition, or personal effort?

2. Respond to the Light (vv. 10–12)

• 2 Reponses:

1) The world rejected Jesus because it failed to know Him.

2) But to those who receive Him and believe, He offers the incredible gift of becoming children of God.

• Application: Respond to Jesus personally through faith.

Have you truly “received” Christ or are you still keeping Him at a distance?

If you have, are you living like children of light fleshing out the power of God each day?

Don't be duped believing that you're a Christian because

    1. You have the right lineage or heritage. My dad is a pastor or I am a Jew. These will not save you.

    2. You have decided to be a good person and to count on your good, moral behavior to save you. Even if your standard is the best in this world, you could never attain perfection. But the standard is perfection. "Be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect." -Jesus

    3. You have decided that your kids will become Christians so you're going to do all the "right things" and believe that that is enough. Growing up in the Church is a great start. And it gives your kids every opportunity to hear the gospel and respond by grace through faith. However, it's no substitute for you showing and telling it yourself in your home where they see who you really are. Sending them to Christian school can be good. But if what they hear there contradicts with what they see at home, they will become disillusioned and perhaps do the opposite of what you think they need.

The bottom line is there is no salvation with out God's power. And there's not activating God's power without genuine, saving faith on the person's part. Just like these baptisms signify today!

3. Rely on God’s Light (Power) (v. 13)

• Becoming a child of God is not about heritage, human effort, or others’ influence—it is a supernatural work of God’s grace. Our salvation and spiritual growth depend on Him.

• Application: Let's humbly rely on God for salvation, spiritual renewal, and power in our daily walk.

Note: Help on this outline came from ChatGPT in the writing of this section.

CONCLUSION

Here’s another true story you can use:

The Rescue of the Chilean Miners

In 2010, 33 miners were trapped 2,300 feet underground in a collapsed mine in Chile. For 69 days, they endured intense heat, darkness, and dwindling supplies. Rescuers worked tirelessly to drill an escape tunnel, eventually sending down a small capsule to bring the miners to safety. When the capsule arrived, each miner had to make a choice: climb in and trust the rescuers, or remain in the darkness. All 33 chose to step into the capsule, and every one of them was safely brought to the surface.

• Connection: The rescuers provided the way to life, but the miners had to trust and respond. They couldn’t save themselves, but they had to step into the capsule to be rescued. Similarly, Jesus has made the way to eternal life, but we must respond by believing in Him and receiving the life He offers.

1. The Capsule Was Cramped and Claustrophobic

2. The Ascent Was Long and Unpredictable

3. Physical and Emotional Strain

4. No Other Way Out

-ChatGPT

Bottom line: We receive the life Jesus promises by responding to the light, believing Jesus' is who he says he is and will do all he's promised to do.

What about you?

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper, 1 Cor 11:23-26 is good passage.

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

Yes, the rescue of the Chilean miners involved significant risks, especially for those stepping into the capsule. Here’s a more detailed look at what the miners faced:

1. The Capsule Was Cramped and Claustrophobic

• The capsule, called the Phoenix, was only 21 inches wide and barely large enough for one person to stand inside. For miners who had been trapped in darkness and isolation for over two months, stepping into such a confined space required tremendous mental strength.

• Parallel: Faith in Christ often requires stepping out of fear and into trust, even when the way forward feels narrow or uncertain (cf. Matthew 7:13-14).

2. The Ascent Was Long and Unpredictable

• The journey to the surface took about 15-20 minutes per miner, and there were risks of the capsule getting stuck or equipment failing during the ascent. The miners knew there were no guarantees, yet they chose to trust the rescuers.

• Parallel: Trusting Jesus means placing your life in His hands, even when you can’t control the process or fully see the outcome.

3. Physical and Emotional Strain

• Many miners struggled with physical weakness and psychological trauma after weeks of confinement. Some feared they might panic during the ascent, but they still stepped into the capsule.

• Parallel: Coming to Christ involves admitting our weakness and need for rescue, trusting that He will carry us through despite our brokenness (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

4. No Other Way Out

• The capsule was the only way to escape the mine. If a miner chose to remain underground, they would have faced certain death. Accepting the risks of the capsule was their only hope for life.

• Parallel: Jesus is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6). Just as the miners had no alternative but to trust the capsule, we have no alternative but to trust Christ for salvation.

OUTLINES

Outline from Willmington's Outline Bible

OUTLINE  JOHN 1

John begins his Gospel by talking about the deity of Christ, then describes the ministry of John the Baptist. Jesus is baptized and calls his first disciples.

I. FACTS CONCERNING THE PREINCARNATE CHRIST (1:1-5)

A. His relationship to the Father (1:1-2)

1. Christ's eternality is declared (1:1a, 2): He already existed in the beginning.

2. Christ's deity is declared (1:b): He is God.

B. His relationship to the world (1:3-5)

1. He is the sole creator (1:3): Nothing exists that he didn't make.

2. He is light and life (1:4-5): His life gives light to everyone, and the darkness cannot extinguish it.

II. FACTS CONCERNING THE INCARNATE CHRIST (1:6-51)

A. The miracle (1:14): God became human and lived on earth among us.

B. The mission (1:10-13): He came to save sinners.

1. Some rejected him (1:10-11): The world and even the people in his own country did not understand him.

2. Some received him (1:12-13): Those who believed him became children of God.

C. The men (1:6-9, 15-51)

1. Christ's faithful forerunner (1:6-9, 15-34)

a. John the Baptist and the crowds (1:6-9, 15-18): John makes three key statements to the people.

(1) He is to serve as a witness to Christ (1:6-9).

(2) Christ is greater than John or Moses (1:15-17).

b. John the Baptist and the critics (1:19-28): John speaks to the Pharisees who are sent to cross-examine him.

(1) John says that he is not the Messiah (1:19-20).

(2) John says that he is not Elijah (1:21).

(3) John says that he has been sent to prepare the way for the Lord (1:22-28).

c. John the Baptist and the Christ (1:29-34)

(1) He introduces the Savior (1:29-31).

(2) He baptizes the Savior (1:32-34).

2. Christ's first five followers (1:35-51)

a. Andrew and John the apostle (1:35-39)

b. Peter (1:40-42)

c. Philip (1:43)

d. Nathanael (1:44-51)

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

Claude.ai

Read More
Darien GabrielGrace Christian Fellowshipnon denominational church, Grace Christian Fellowship, Ladson, SC, bible believing church, John, signs and glory
Why Did John Write About Jesus? | John 20:30-31
Why Did John Write About Jesus? | John 20:30-31

Series: Signs & Glory

Title: "Why did John write his Gospel? Or Why did John write about Jesus?

Scripture: John 20:30-31 NIV

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Bottom line: God sent Jesus that by trusting in him, we might have life to the max.

  1. INTRODUCTION

  2. CONTEXT

  3. SERMON OUTLINE

  4. CONCLUSION

  5. NOTES

  6. OUTLINES

  7. QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  8. DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  9. MAIN REFERENCES USED

My opening prayer: Lord God, help us grow to be and do like Jesus, while abiding in him and leading others to do the same.

INTRODUCTION

Why did John write his gospel? Why did he write about Jesus?s

There's a line in the amazing movie called the Polar Express that has always bothered me. It's near the end when the main boy character gets off the train after finally getting to the place where he believes in Santa. He's about to run home as Christmas Day is about to break when the conductor says, as if to summarize the entire evening,

"Conductor: watch your step please.

Boy: thank you.

Conductor: No thank you...One thing about trains...it doesn't matter where they're going. What matters is deciding to get on."

My girls will attest to what I'm about to tell you. In our house, right after he says this, I will say out loud in the room, "Yes it does matter where the train is going!"

Why? Because believing in belief is foolishness. It's from the religion of the Oprah's of the world. Doesn't matter what you believe as long as you sincerely believe it.

Oh yeah, what about the terrorist who believes if he straps on a vest of explosives and kills a bunch of infidels in the name of Allah because he sincerely believes that after he dies he'll wake up in paradise with 70 virgins.

It matters what you believe in.

Even the atheist, if they are honest, believes there is no God. They can't prove it.

Why did John write about Jesus Christ?

The short answer is that we might believe.

Believe what? I'm so glad you asked!

CONTEXT

In the book of John, John the Apostle is not calling us to believe  in belief, like Oprah. He's calling us to believe--to trust in with our whole self--in someone specifically. And it's not just a good, godly person willing to die for his beliefs. He's the Son of God, Jesus the Christ, who showed us what God looks like in the flesh and what his kingdom looks like down to personally pitching his tent with us.

Why did John write his gospel?

He tells us:

“Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

‭‭John‬ ‭20‬:‭30‬-‭31‬ ‭NIV‬‬

John was one of the 12 disciples and then 12 apostles. He wrote his gospel after the other 3 were written, most likely.

SERMON (lots of help from Carter & Wredberg on this; see bibliography below)

I. What do we need to believe?

  1. That Jesus is the Christ/Messiah = anointed one (prophet, priest, king)

    1. We believe that Jesus is who he says he is, and

    2. That he'll do all that God promised he would do. Which includes:

      1. He's the snake crusher. He'll defeat sin and death. (Genesis 3:15)

      2. He'll end all injustice and rebellion. (Psalm 2)

      3. He'll willingly suffer and die as a perfectly righteous person for our sins in our place so that we can freely live in his place for his glory. (Isaiah 53)

      4. He'll establish his eternal, universal kingdom. (Daniel 7)

    3. So when John says we need to believe, it's that Jesus is who he says he is and that he'll do all that God's promised he would do.

  2. That Jesus is the Son of God. God in the flesh. Fully divine. As Jesus of Nazareth, he's also fully human. (Phil 2:6-11)

II. What does it mean to believe?

  1. It means more than, "I believe it's going to rain today." Something that you'll change as soon as you get more information. Oh, just 5% chance? Ok, I no longer believe it's going to rain today.

  2. Believe means to trust in someone or something with all your weight or self.

  3. Ex. You're hiking in the Himalayas and you come to a long bridge that goes over 1,000 foot drop. The bridge is one of those swinging type bridges. You say intellectually to yourself, it looks unsturdy but it's been here a while and people have been using it. Then you watch people walk across it. You believe it could hold you up if you walked across it. That's intellectual belief. But until you actually walk across it, you aren't believing like the Bible means when it says believe. You are trusting the bridge to hold you up.

  4. Ex. There as a circus performer who stretched a rope or cable across Niagara Falls. To the crowd he asked, "Do you think I can walk across this cable?" They all shouted, "Yes, we believe you can." "Do you believe I can walk across pushing this wheelbarrow across?" "Yes, we believe!" "Who will volunteer to ride in the wheel barrow as I push it across?" No one volunteered. Why? Because they didn't trust with their whole self that he could do it successfully.

III. Why do I need to believe?

  1. We need to believe because our lives depend on it. Because we're born dead sinners which means we're born dead spiritually. We are no longer in the garden of Eden where the tree of life sustains us. Only he can give us new life now.

    1. John 1:4

    2. John 3:16

    3. John 5:24

    4. John 11:25-26

  2. The life we need - spiritual, eternal life, delivers us from hell or eternal separation from life with God. Hell = spiritually dead.

  3. Life is not a one-time transaction only either. Like adoption.

    1. There is legal paperwork that follows an intentional decision to adopt followed by a lot of hoops to jump through. But it ends in signing paperwork that transfers legal guardianship from the birth parents to the adopting parents. At that moment, the child becomes a legal family member. And salvation starts out that way too. When we trust Christ, we are born again into the family of God. We are justified by grace through faith.

    2. However, neither adoption nor salvation end there. They continue as you learn to live your new life in your new identity as a member of a family of people. Your salvation continues to unfold through a process called sanctification. As an adopted child, you eat meals together, share the flu together, celebrate holidays together, and even grieve the loss of life together. You do life together. In Christ, you do this forever.

  4. Why did John write the gospel of John? So that we could believe or trust him with our whole self into new life with him and his family of grace.

CONCLUSION

  1. Have you begun this journey?

  2. How do you begin this journey?

I wish the movie Polar Express had ended with these words by the Conductor instead:

Conductor: The thing about trains is that their all headed somewhere different. It matters which train you get on. It matters where it's going. But even if you pick the right train, it won't get you there unless you get on. That's what it means to believe.

Optional

In the movie Mannequin, Andrew McCarthy's character cleans a department store with the night shift while the store is closed. There are mannequins everywhere. He doesn't pay them much attention because they're not real people. Until one night one wakes up! It's alive!

Some department stores use models posing as mannequins (until they decide to move and freak someone out!) Models and mannequins are wearing the same clothes in the same place for the same company. But one is clearly alive.

In Christ, we are made "alive with Christ" (Ephesians 2:1-10). This life is everything as there is nothing more precious.

Bottom line: God sent Jesus that by trusting in him, we might have life to the max.

One more thought on belief, if you haven't already picked up on it. Whenever the Bible talks about faith, trust or belief, the writer is not only talking about the first time you believe. God, through the writer, is talking to each of us about believing all the time. Especially when we're tempted to doubt him.

Peter puts it all in perspective in his first sermon:

““Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”” ‭‭Acts‬ ‭2‬:‭36‬-‭39‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Invitation

How do we respond? Answer 2 questions:

Take out a card or piece of paper right now. Write down the answer to these questions:

  1. What is God saying to me right now?

  2. What am I going to do about it? Write this down on a sheet of paper.

What I hear you saying, Lord, is ___________________.

[my name] is going to believe/do __________________________________________________ as a result.

Finally, share this with your Home or Mission group this week when you gather as a testimony about what God is doing in your life. You don’t have to get too specific to give him praise.

Lord's Supper passages

“Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.” Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. I speak to sensible people; judge for yourselves what I say. Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, ‭14‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“In the following directives I have no praise for you, for your meetings do more harm than good. In the first place, I hear that when you come together as a church, there are divisions among you, and to some extent I believe it. No doubt there have to be differences among you to show which of you have God’s approval. So then, when you come together, it is not the Lord’s Supper you eat, for when you are eating, some of you go ahead with your own private suppers. As a result, one person remains hungry and another gets drunk. Don’t you have homes to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God by humiliating those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you? Certainly not in this matter! For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. So then, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup. For those who eat and drink without discerning the body of Christ eat and drink judgment on themselves.”

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭11‬:‭17‬-‭29‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Also, say something like, "Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again." (past, present, and future)

Pray

NOTES

N/A

OUTLINES

N/A

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

  1. What do I want them to know?

  2. Why do I want them to know it?

  3. What do I want them to do?

  4. Why do I want them to do it?

  5. How do they do this?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discovery Bible Study process: https://www.dbsguide.org/

  1. Read the passage together.

  2. Retell the story in your own words.

  3. Discovery the story

    1. What does this story tell me about God?

    2. What does this story tell me about people?

    3. If this is really true, what should I do?

  4. What is God saying to you right now? (Write this down)

  5. What are you going to do about it? (Write this down)

  6. Who am I going to tell about this?

Find our sermons, podcasts, discussion questions and notes at https://www.gracetoday.net/podcast

Alternate Discussion Questions (by Jeff Vanderstelt): Based on this passage:

  1. Who is God?

  2. What has he done/is he doing/is he going to do?

  3. Who am I? (In light of 1 & 2)

  4. What do I do? (In light of who I am)

  5. How do I do it?

Final Questions (Write this down)

  • What is God saying to you right now?

  • What are you going to do about it?

MAIN REFERENCES USED

“John,” by R. Kent Hughes, Preaching the Word Commentary, Edited by Kent Hughes

Exalting Jesus in John, by Matt Carter & Josh Wredberg

“Look at the Book” by John Piper (LATB)

“The Bible Knowledge Commentary” by Walvoord, Zuck (BKC)

“The Bible Exposition Commentary” by Warren Wiersbe (BEC)

Outline Bible, D Willmington (OB)

Willmington’s Bible Handbook, D Willmington (WBH)

NIV Study Bible (NIVSB) https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/

Chronological Life Application Study Bible (NLT)

ESV Study Bible (ESVSB) https://www.esv.org

The Bible Project https://bibleproject.com

“The Bible in One Year 2023 with Nicky Gumbel” bible reading plan on YouVersion app (BIOY)

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Darien GabrielGrace Christian FellowshipDarien Gabriel, Ladson, SC, Grace Christian Fellowship, John, Christmas, Signs and Glory, non denominational church, bible believing church